The proposal for an Aquatic Facility in Yarmouth drew particular attention as the Select Board deliberated on whether to introduce a ballot question to assess public support for the project. The Board’s discussion underscored the need for clarity on the project’s scope and costs before placing it before the electorate. Members acknowledged the potential community benefits of a swimming pool but emphasized that the proposal, as it currently stood, was too vague. The question’s timing also proved to be a point of contention, with some suggesting it was premature to include it in the upcoming election without a more concrete feasibility study.

In the realm of finance and budgeting, the Board approved a ballot question for an additional $880,000 in real estate and personal property taxes to fund operational expenses for the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District after a thorough discussion. The Board then executed a conservation restriction and land management plan for Higgin Crow Road, as presented by the director of Community Development, to fulfill grant obligations.

The meeting also highlighted the town’s progress in updating the open space and recreation plan. This comprehensive initiative aims to maintain grant eligibility and align with Yarmouth’s local comprehensive plan. The town planner and committee members detailed the extensive planning process, which included public participation through an open house, presentations, and surveys. The plan underlines the need to preserve and enhance over 1600 acres of recreation and conservation lands, while also setting forth action items to secure funding, manage invasive species, and protect critical areas for natural resources and drinking water.

Moreover, the board discussed the importance of acquiring conservation land to preserve habitats, wetlands, wildlife corridors, and open space. Efforts to negotiate with NSTAR for a property near Little Greeno Pond to prevent substation construction were also a topic of conversation, alongside the pursuit of grants and acquisitions for land parcels through various means.

Infrastructure development was a point of discussion, with updates on the wastewater program, including the Water Resource Recovery Facility and collection system contracts. The importance of timely contract awards to avoid financial impacts due to delays was emphasized, as was the ongoing communication with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regarding the groundwater discharge permit.

Concerns about potential high bids impacting the wastewater treatment project were discussed, and the need for permits to proceed with the bidding process was acknowledged. The board also talked about the possibility of making modifications to the project if bids exceed allocated funding and the need for local appropriation to amend costs.

The meeting addressed the transfer of 39 families out of the Yarmouth Harborside Suites into various shelters, coordinating with state agencies and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to ensure continued education for children affected by the move. Additionally, the Select Board saw the resignation of a member from the Yarmouth Recreation Commission and the appointment of a new regular member to fill the unexpired term.

The Board previewed the upcoming town meeting, encouraging voter registration and participation. Budget adjustments for the current fiscal year and the Omnibus Municipal budget were discussed, with the latter including funding sources from various areas. Enterprise budgets for golf, water division, septage, wastewater, and cable television and communications were also covered, each operating on separate budgets and self-sustained. Furthermore, the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District budget was examined, with a motion for an override of proposition 2 1/2 for $880,000 to augment the town’s certified school budget, subject to motion.

The discussion extended to articles related to the annual budget process, including capital expenses for various town divisions and special project authorizations. The board also touched on the pre-funding program for wastewater financing and the adoption of Mass General Laws Chapter 80 and 83, with informational resources available on the town’s website.

Lastly, the board considered a proposal for improvements to the MacArthur building, which the collaborative under Bridgewater State intends to renovate using an underutilized building program for funding. The timing of the discussion was debated in light of the upcoming election and the potential delay in the grant program timeline.